Barcelona is actively working to bolster its squad during the summer transfer window with a major move that will significantly impact the team for the upcoming season. It appears that president Joan Laporta has abandoned hopes of acquiring the talented Spanish winger Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao and is now exploring alternative options for this summer.
According to the Spanish newspaper “Mundo Deportivo,” Barcelona’s management is highly interested in signing Portuguese star Rafael Leao from AC Milan. The club’s pursuit of Nico Williams was unsuccessful after the player expressed his intention to stay with Athletic Bilbao for at least one more season.
The report notes that Laporta is very impressed with Leao’s skills and envisions creating a potent attacking trio featuring Lewandowski, Yamal, and Leao. The newspaper mentions that Leao’s current market value is around 90 million euros. Barcelona has the funds originally earmarked for Williams, plus additional resources from player sales, which could enable them to meet this valuation.
“Mundo Deportivo” also highlights that Leao’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has a strong relationship with Laporta, which could facilitate the deal before the transfer window closes. However, it’s important to note that Leao’s contract with Milan runs until the summer of 2028, and the Italian club is unlikely to let him go easily.
